Connective Tissue

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary function of connective tissue?

To produce hormones

To facilitate gas exchange

To conduct nerve impulses

To maintain the form of the body and provide support (correct)

Which of the following cells is NOT typically found in connective tissue?

Neurons (correct)

Adipocytes

Fibroblasts

Mast cells

What components make up the extracellular matrix in connective tissue?

Nuclei, organelles, and ribosomes

Collagen, elastin, and ATP

Lipids, carbohydrates, and amino acids

Glycoproteins, fibrous proteins, and glycosaminoglycans (correct)

Which type of connective tissue is primarily responsible for protection?

Haemopoietic tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which connective tissue type provides mechanical function?

Tendons Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of adipose tissue?

Stores energy and insulates the body Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of dense connective tissue?

Elastic connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells are found in cartilage?

Chondrocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which connective tissue type is characterized by a semi-solid matrix and fine branching reticular fibers?

Reticular connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the majority of the blood's composition?

Plasma Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cells are classified as fixed cells within connective tissue?

Fibroblasts Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of bone tissue?

Compact and spongy Signup and view all the answers

What component of the extracellular matrix is primarily responsible for resisting compressive forces?

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of connective tissue provides support and flexibility at joints?

Hyaline cartilage Signup and view all the answers

Which type of connective tissue is characterized by a framework of numerous cells and loose fibers?

Loose connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What types of cells are primarily found in blood?

Erythrocytes, leucocytes, and platelets Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of reticular fibers within connective tissues?

They form a supportive network for cell attachment. Signup and view all the answers

What type of connective tissue is referred to as having a viscous fluid and loose fibers?

Areolar connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a function of the extracellular matrix?

It facilitates the transportation of metabolites. Signup and view all the answers

Which connective tissue is mainly involved in the body's immune response?

Blood Signup and view all the answers

What type of connective tissue is identified as specialized and includes elements like cartilage and bone?

Supporting connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Connective Tissue Function & Characteristics

Connective tissue maintains the form of the body and its organs, providing cohesion and internal support.
Diverse connective tissue types vary in density, cellularity, and specialization.

Connective Tissue Components

Composed of cells and extracellular matrix.
Cells include fibroblasts, adipocytes, macrophages, mast cells, plasma cells, and eosinophils.
Extracellular matrix consists of fibres and a gel-like ground substance made up of glycoproteins, fibrous proteins, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).

Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Functions

The ECM is the prominent feature in tissues with mechanical roles, such as ligaments, tendons, and bone.
It provides a supportive framework, enabling transportation of metabolites, and resists compressive forces.

Connective Tissue Cells

Fixed cells:
- Fibroblasts: responsible for synthesizing and secreting ECM components.
- Adipocytes: store fat for energy reserve and insulation.
- Macrophages: phagocytize foreign particles and cellular debris.
- Mast cells: release histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
Transient cells:
- Plasma cells: produce antibodies.
- Eosinophils: combat parasitic infections and allergic reactions.

Connective Tissue Fibres

Fibres are secreted by fibroblasts and form a supportive network for cell attachment.
Types:
- Elastic fibres: Provide elasticity and recoil.
- Collagen fibres: Provide strength and tensile strength.
- Reticular fibres: Form delicate networks supporting soft tissues.

Classification of Connective Tissue

Connective Tissue Proper:
- Loose Connective Tissue:
  - Areolar: Widely distributed, connects and supports other tissues.
  - Adipose: Stores fat, provides insulation and support.
  - Reticular: Provides a framework for lymphatic and hemopoietic tissues.
- Dense Connective Tissue:
  - Regular: Tightly packed collagen fibers, found in tendons and ligaments.
  - Irregular: Densely packed collagen fibers in random arrangements, found in the dermis of skin.
Specialized Connective Tissue:
- Supporting Connective Tissue:
  - Cartilage: Supportive, flexible, and resilient tissue.
    - Hyaline: Found in joints, nose, trachea, and ribs.
    - Fibrocartilage: Dense and strong, found in intervertebral discs and menisci.
    - Elastic: Flexible and resilient, found in the ears and epiglottis.
  - Bone: Rigid and strong, provides support and protection.
    - Compact bone: Solid and dense, found in the outer layer of bones.
    - Spongy bone: Porous and lightweight, found in the inner part of bones.
- Fluid Connective Tissue:
  - Blood: Circulates throughout the body, transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste products.
  - Lymph: Circulates through lymphatic vessels, filters waste and maintains fluid balance.